New-York, December 8, 1783.
Sir:
Being concerned as counsel for a number of persons who have been,
since the annunciation of the provisional treaty, indicted under the
confiscation laws of this State, for the part they are supposed to have
taken in the late war, we are induced, at the desire of our clients,
and in their behalf, to apply to Congress, through your Excellency, for
an exemplification of the definitive treaty. We take it for granted,
that ere this it will have been direction of the United States.
We have found a great strictness in the Courts in this State. It will,
we apprehend, be necessary to be able to produce an exemplification
of the treaty under the seal of the United States. In a matter so
interesting to a great number of individuals, for it does not belong
to us to urge considerations of national honor, we hope we shall be
excused when we observe, that there appears to be no probability that
the legislature of this State will interpose its authority to put
a stop to prosecutions, till the definitive treaty is announced in
form. In the mean time, a period is limited for the appearance of the
indicted persons to plead to their indictments, and if they neglect
to appear, judgment by default will be entered against them. It is
therefore of great consequence to them, that we should have in our
possession, as speedily as possible, an authentic document of the
treaty, and of its ratification by Congress; and we, on this account,
pray an exemplification of both.
We persuade ourselves that the justice and liberality of Congress will
induce a ready compliance with our prayer, which will conduce to the
security of a great number of individuals who derive their hopes of
safety from the national faith.
We have the honor to be with perfect respect,
Your Excellency’s
Most obedient and humble servants,
A. Hamilton & others.
His Excellency
The President of Congress.